Friends Church Sacramento

Friends Church Sacramento

Welcome to the Friends Church Sacramento podcast! Join us each week as we dive into the timeless truths of scripture and explore how they apply to our lives today. Whether you're a regular attendee or tuning in for the first time, our podcast offers a convenient way to stay connected and engaged with our community. At Friends Church Sacramento, we're passionate about creating an atmosphere of authentic worship, genuine fellowship, and transformative teaching. Our Sunday sermons are designed to inspire, challenge, and encourage you on your spiritual journey. With each episode, you'll experience uplifting messages from our dynamic speakers, insightful reflections on scripture, and practical applications for everyday living. Whether you're seeking spiritual growth, encouragement in your faith, or simply curious about what it means to follow Jesus, our podcast has something for everyone. So grab your favorite beverage, find a comfortable spot, and join us as we journey together through God's Word. Subscribe to the Friends Church Sacramento Sunday Sermon Archive podcast today and let's explore the riches of God's truth together!

  1. 5d ago

    Jesus Walks on Water

    Jesus Walks on Water | Matthew 14:22-33 Tyler Lemen

  2. Trusting God When Life Feels Out of Control | From Eden to Jesus

    5d ago

    Trusting God When Life Feels Out of Control | From Eden to Jesus

    Trusting God When Life Feels Out of Control | From Eden to Jesus Jared Reiter Trusting God When Life Feels Out of Control Genesis 6–9 | From Eden to Jesus Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you realized you weren't in control? Most of us spend our lives trying to keep things together. We make plans, create schedules, build savings accounts, and try to anticipate every possible outcome. But eventually, life reminds us that control is often an illusion. A diagnosis. A job loss. A broken relationship. A financial setback. A crisis we never saw coming. When life feels out of control, one question rises to the surface: Can God still be trusted? That is exactly the question we encounter in the story of Noah and the Flood. Trusting God Often Feels Like Losing Control Before It Feels Like Gaining Clarity When God told Noah to build an ark, it must have seemed like a strange request. The world around him was filled with violence and corruption, yet God chose Noah and his family to preserve humanity through the coming flood. God gave Noah detailed instructions for constructing an enormous ark—a vessel unlike anything the ancient world had seen. One fascinating detail is that the ark wasn't designed to be navigated. There is no rudder. No sail. No steering mechanism. The fate of everyone on board was completely in God's hands. Yet Noah obeyed. Genesis tells us, "Noah did everything just as God commanded him." Noah trusted God even when he couldn't see the outcome. His story reminds us that faith is not about controlling our lives for God. Faith is about trusting God when our lives are out of control. Often, God asks us to take a step of obedience before He reveals the destination. God's Promises Are Certain, Even When His Timing Feels Slow After Noah entered the ark, the storm arrived. The floodwaters rose. Chaos covered the earth. Everything outside the ark was swept away. Yet Noah and his family remained secure—not because they controlled the storm, but because God faithfully preserved them through it. The flood narrative reminds us that God is involved in every detail. God instructed Noah to build the ark. God brought the animals. God shut the door. God sent the rain. God caused the waters to recede. God guided the ark. God preserved His people. The story reveals a God who is not distant or detached. He is actively present in the lives of His people. Many of us assume that if we are in a storm, God must be absent. Noah's story teaches the opposite. Sometimes the place where God's faithfulness is most evident is right in the middle of the storm. The challenge is that faith often requires patience. Noah and his family spent more than a year in the ark waiting for God's timing. Like them, we often want immediate answers. But God is still faithful even when His timing feels slow. God Judges Evil, But He Also Provides a Way of Rescue As the waters receded, Noah sent out birds to determine whether the earth was ready for life again. When the dove returned carrying an olive leaf, it became a symbol of hope and new life emerging from chaos. Eventually Noah left the ark, and his first response was worship. Then God made a covenant with Noah and all creation. He promised that never again would He destroy the earth through a flood. The sign of that covenant was the rainbow. Interestingly, the Hebrew word translated "rainbow" is also the word used for a warrior's bow. It's as if God hangs up His weapon in the clouds and declares that judgment is not His final word. The Flood reveals a God who takes sin seriously, but it also reveals a God who is rich in mercy. Many people assume the God of the Old Testament is different from the God of the New Testament. Yet the same God who judged evil in Noah's day is the God who ultimately demonstrated His love through Jesus Christ. Rather than aiming judgment at humanity, God sent His Son to bear that judgment on our behalf. The Flood points us forward to the gospel. God judges evil, but He also provides a way of rescue. The Invitation Today The story of Noah is ultimately not about Noah. It's about God. A God who reigns over chaos. A God who keeps His promises. A God who is faithful in every storm. A God who provides rescue for His people. The question is not whether storms will come. The question is whether we will trust God when they do. Because when the world falls apart, Jesus holds us together. If you're searching for a church in Sacramento, a Christian church near you, or a place to explore faith and grow in your relationship with Jesus, we'd love to meet you. Plan Your Visit

  3. Why Success Still Leaves Us Empty | From Eden to jesus

    May 24

    Why Success Still Leaves Us Empty | From Eden to jesus

    Why Success Still Leaves Us Empty | From Eden to Jesus Jared Reiter Why do we work so hard in life and still feel unsatisfied? That question sits underneath so much of modern life. Many of us grow up believing fulfillment is always somewhere ahead of us:Once I graduate…Once I get married…Once life settles down…Once my career takes off… And while those things are good gifts, many people eventually discover something unsettling:You can achieve things you once prayed for and still feel restless inside. In Genesis 2–3, the Bible reveals why. Humanity was created for relationship with God. Adam and Eve lived in perfect harmony with Him, with each other, and with creation itself. Their fulfillment wasn’t found in achievement or self-discovery — it was found in walking with God. But everything changed when humanity began to question God’s goodness. The serpent’s temptation in the Garden wasn’t simply about eating fruit. It was about suspicion:“Might God be holding out on me?” That same question still shapes our world today. We often believe fulfillment will come through autonomy, success, achievement, relationships, money, status, or control. But Genesis reveals that when humanity chose independence from God, sin entered the world and fractured everything:our relationship with God,our relationship with others,and even our relationship with ourselves. The result is the guilt, shame, anxiety, emptiness, and restlessness we still experience today. But the story of Scripture doesn’t end in Genesis 3. Jesus came to restore what sin broke. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made a way for humanity to experience forgiveness, healing, and restored relationship with God again. The gospel tells us that the thing we are ultimately searching for isn’t found in accomplishment — it’s found in Christ. No amount of success can remove guilt.No achievement can heal shame.Only Jesus can restore the soul. If you’re searching for a Christian church in Sacramento, we’d love to invite you to Friends Church Sacramento as we continue our series “From Eden to Jesus.” Join us Sundays in East Sacramento as we explore how the entire Bible points toward Jesus and what that means for our lives today. Friends Church SacramentoCreating a Christ-centered community that is changing the world. sacfriendschurch.orgInstagram: @friendschurch_sacramento Plan Your Visit

  4. Creation | Genesis 1 | From Eden to Jesus

    May 17

    Creation | Genesis 1 | From Eden to Jesus

    Creation | Genesis 1 | From Eden to Jesus Jared Reiter You Were Created on Purpose, For Purpose We live in a world that constantly asks us to define ourselves. Your worth is measured by your productivity.Your identity is tied to your accomplishments.Your value is determined by what others think of you. But Genesis tells a very different story. As we began our new series From Eden to Jesus, we started where the Bible starts: the creation story in Genesis 1–2. And in these opening chapters, we discover something powerful: You were created on purpose, for purpose. 1. God Created the World with Purpose Genesis opens with these words: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” — Genesis 1:1 Before anything existed, God was already there. He is not part of creation—He stands above it. He has no beginning and no end. And when He creates, He does so with intention, order, and goodness. Genesis is not primarily trying to answer every scientific question about how the world was made. It is revealing the God who made it. This is not a story of chaos producing order by accident. It is the story of a good God bringing purpose into everything He creates. That means your life is not random. You are not an accident. The same God who brought order to Genesis 1 can bring order to your life as well. 2. You Were Created with Purpose Genesis 1 reaches its climax when God creates humanity: “So God created mankind in his own image…” — Genesis 1:27 Humanity is different from the rest of creation because we are made in the image of God. This doesn’t mean we look like God physically—it means we were created to reflect His character, His love, and His goodness in the world. You were not made just to exist. You were made to reflect God. Our culture teaches us that identity is something we must build for ourselves. We define ourselves by what we produce, what we accomplish, or what others say about us. But Scripture says your identity is given, not earned. Your value is not based on what you do. It is based on whose image you bear. You belong to God, and He created you with dignity, purpose, and meaning. 3. Rest Reminds Us to Trust That Purpose By the seventh day, God rested. Not because He was tired—but because He was finished. God blessed the Sabbath and made it holy, setting apart one day for rest, worship, and trust. Sabbath reminds us of something we often forget: Rest is not weakness—it is trust in the Creator. Many of us live as though everything depends on us. If we stop working, everything falls apart. But Sabbath exposes that mindset. It reminds us that we are not God. There is someone greater than us holding all things together. When we rest, we step back and acknowledge that God is still on the throne. We were never meant to carry the weight of the world. Jesus Makes All Things New Genesis is only the beginning of the story. It all leads to Jesus. Colossians 1 says: “For in him all things were created… all things have been created through him and for him… and in him all things hold together.” — Colossians 1:16–17 Jesus is not Plan B. He has always been central to the story. The same God who created the world is the same God who can recreate you. He can bring order to your chaos. Healing to your brokenness. Purpose to your emptiness. Because God does not just create—He restores. He renews. He redeems. And today, He invites you not just to believe that He made the world… but to trust that He is still at work making you new. Plan Your Visit

  5. What You Think About Matters | Anxious for Nothing

    May 3

    What You Think About Matters | Anxious for Nothing

    What You Think About Matters | Anxious for Nothing Jared Reiter You Cannot Live a Peaceful Life with a Mind Trained for Panic If there’s one truth many of us are discovering, it’s this: What we think about matters. Anxiety often feels like life has tightened its grip around us so much that we can’t quite catch a full breath. It’s more than stress. It’s more than overthinking. It’s the constant pressure of uncertainty, expectations, fear, and the endless “what ifs.” In our recent message at Friends Church Sacramento, we looked at Philippians 4:8 and discovered something powerful: You cannot live a peaceful life with a mind trained for panic. Philippians 4:8 and the Battle of the Mind The Apostle Paul writes: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Paul is not simply telling us to “think happy thoughts.” He is calling us to anchor our minds in what is true about God, true about Christ, and true about what God is still doing in the world. Because whatever fills your mind eventually forms your life. Anxiety and the Brain Modern neuroscience supports what Scripture has taught all along. Researchers use a phrase: “Neurons that fire together, wire together.” This means repeated thoughts create stronger mental pathways. What we think repeatedly becomes our default way of living. If we constantly rehearse fear, fear becomes rooted. If we constantly rehearse truth, peace becomes rooted. That’s why Paul’s words matter so deeply. Peace is not accidental.It is trained. How to Retrain Your Mind for Peace At Friends Church Sacramento, we shared three practical ways to begin renewing the mind: 1. Replace Lies with Truth Read Scripture.Memorize Scripture.Return to what is true. What gets repeated gets rooted. When your mind is filled with God’s truth, it becomes harder for lies to take control. 2. Release the Burden Prayer is not just spiritual discipline—it is mental retraining. Instead of rehearsing fear, we learn to release our burdens to God. Philippians 4 reminds us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God…” Peace grows when surrender grows. 3. Reinforce the Truth Sometimes we need to preach truth to ourselves. Remind yourself: You are loved.You are not abandoned.God is still working.This season does not define you. Repetition matters. The lies we repeat shape us.But so does truth. Looking for a Church Near You in Sacramento? If you’ve been searching for a church in Sacramento, wondering where to find hope, community, and honest conversations about real life struggles like anxiety, we’d love to invite you to Friends Church Sacramento. We are a welcoming church in East Sacramento helping people experience the peace, purpose, and freedom found in Jesus. Whether you’ve been in church your whole life or you’re just starting to ask spiritual questions, there’s a place for you here. Join us Sundays at 10AM. Visit Friends Church Sacramento 📍 Friends Church SacramentoEast Sacramento, California 🌐 sacfriendschurch.org 📸 Instagram: @friendschurch_sacramento If anxiety has been shaping your thoughts, know this: Peace is possible. Because you cannot live a peaceful life with a mind trained for panic—but by God’s grace, your mind can be renewed. Plan Your Visit

  6. The Power of Gratitude | Anxious for Nothing

    Apr 27

    The Power of Gratitude | Anxious for Nothing

    The Power of Gratitude | Anxious for Nothing Jared Reiter Anxiety doesn’t usually come out of nowhere. For many of us, it’s deeply connected to what we believe is missing in our lives. It shows up in the quiet moments—in the thoughts we can’t seem to escape—and often sounds like this: “If only…” If only I had more.If only things were different.If only I could get to the other side of this season. But what if peace isn’t found in getting what’s missing? What if it’s found in recognizing what you’ve already been given? Anxiety and the “If Only” Mindset One of the clearest patterns behind anxiety is what we might call “if only” thinking. It’s the belief that peace, happiness, or contentment is always just beyond our current reality. The problem? That destination is always moving. When our peace depends on what we don’t yet have, we will always feel unsettled. There will always be another “if only,” another unmet expectation, another reason to feel anxious. This is exactly why Scripture offers a different perspective. Gratitude Changes the Direction of Your Mind In Philippians 4:6–7, we are told: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God…” Gratitude isn’t just a polite add-on to prayer. It’s transformational. Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s missing to what’s already true. It re-centers your heart on what you already have in Christ—and that’s where contentment begins. Instead of rehearsing what you lack, gratitude trains your mind to recognize what has already been given. Contentment Is the Key to Lasting Peace The apostle Paul, who wrote Philippians, understood this deeply. Writing from prison, he described a powerful truth: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances…” (Philippians 4:11) Contentment doesn’t come from having everything you want. It comes from recognizing that what you have in Christ is already enough. When your heart is anchored in something unchanging, your peace is no longer fragile. The Peace of God Is Different Philippians 4 goes on to describe a peace that “transcends all understanding.” This kind of peace is not: The absence of conflict A positive mindset Or the result of perfect circumstances It’s something deeper. The peace of God comes from trusting Him. It’s rooted in His presence, His control, and His unchanging nature—not in what’s happening around you. And according to Scripture, this peace doesn’t just exist—it guards your heart and your mind. You Already Have What You Need At the core of the Christian life is this truth: You are not lacking what you need most. Through Christ, you’ve been given security, identity, purpose, and hope—things that cannot be taken away by changing circumstances. When you begin to live from that reality, everything shifts. A Simple Step Forward If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, the starting point may be simpler than you think: Turn your attention toward God. Gratitude—especially expressed through prayer and worship—has a way of re-centering your heart. It reminds you of who God is and what He’s already done. And when your focus shifts, your heart begins to follow. Plan Your Visit

  7. How to Stop Carrying Anxiety | Anxious for Nothing

    Apr 19

    How to Stop Carrying Anxiety | Anxious for Nothing

    Anxiety has a way of showing up when everything gets quiet. For many people, it hits hardest at night. You finally lie down, ready to rest—and suddenly your mind won’t stop. Thoughts race. Worst-case scenarios play out. Sleep feels out of reach. If you’ve ever wondered how to stop worrying or how to deal with anxiety in a healthy way, you’re not alone. And more importantly—there is a better way. Why Managing Anxiety Isn’t Enough For years, I tried to manage my anxiety. I made lists. Wrote everything down. Organized my thoughts. Tried to get ahead of every possible outcome. And it helped… for a moment. But I eventually realized something: Organizing anxiety isn’t the same as removing it. It felt like carrying a stack of heavy books all day—each one representing a different worry: Finances Family stress Work pressure Uncertain decisions My lists were just a backpack. They helped me carry the weight more efficiently… But I was still carrying it. And that’s the problem many of us face. We’re not actually free from anxiety—we’re just better at managing it. What the Bible Says About Anxiety (Philippians 4:5–6) In Epistle to the Philippians 4:5–6, the Apostle Paul the Apostle gives a surprising command: “Do not be anxious about anything…” At first glance, that sounds unrealistic. But Paul doesn’t just give a command—he gives a pathway. This passage reveals two powerful truths for anyone searching for Christian help for anxiety. 1. You Don’t Have to Face Anxiety Alone—God Is Near Paul starts with this simple but life-changing reminder: “The Lord is near.” Most people assume peace comes from: Fixing circumstances Having better plans Gaining more control But the Bible teaches something different: Peace starts with presence before solutions. God’s nearness means: You are not alone You are not unseen You are not responsible for controlling everything When anxiety rises, it’s often because we feel like everything depends on us. But it doesn’t. God is present—and that changes everything. 2. You Don’t Have to Carry Anxiety—You Can Release It Through Prayer Paul continues: “…but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Instead of carrying anxiety, you can release it. This is one of the most practical and powerful truths in Scripture: Prayer is how we transfer the weight we’re carrying to God. Not just some things—everything. Not just occasionally—in every situation. Why Prayer Helps with Anxiety Prayer isn’t just a religious habit—it’s a relational response. When you pray: You name what’s weighing on you You stop internalizing everything You acknowledge God’s presence You shift from control to trust And something begins to change. Peace doesn’t always come because your situation changes…It comes because you’re no longer carrying it alone. A Simple Way to Start Praying When You Feel Anxious If you’re new to prayer or unsure where to begin, start simple. Use this easy framework: Praise – Thank God for who He is Repent – Release control and realign your heart Ask – Bring your specific needs to Him Yield – Sit in His presence and trust Him This isn’t a formula—it’s a starting point. Because prayer isn’t about saying the right words. It’s about bringing your real life to a real God. How to Stop Worrying (The Biblical Way) If you’re searching for how to stop anxiety or how to stop overthinking, Scripture offers a clear invitation: Stop trying to carry everything yourself. Instead: Recognize God is near Bring everything to Him in prayer Trust Him with what you can’t control The Invitation: Stop Carrying It Alone Jesus gives this promise: “Come to me… and I will give you rest.” That’s the invitation. To take off the backpack.To stop carrying what was never yours to carry.To experience real peace—not temporary relief. You may not see everything change immediately. But this is where peace begins. Final Thought If you’ve been trying to manage your anxiety, maybe it’s time to try something different. You don’t have to carry your anxiety—God is near and invites you to bring it to Him.

  8. What Are You Staring At? | Anxious for Nothing

    Apr 12

    What Are You Staring At? | Anxious for Nothing

    What Are You Staring At? | Anxious for Nothing Jared Reiter In a world filled with pressure, uncertainty, and constant noise, anxiety has become one of the defining struggles of our time. Many people quietly carry questions like: What if things don’t work out? What if I lose control? What if the future doesn’t go as planned? If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. At Friends Church Sacramento, we are beginning a teaching series called “Anxious for Nothing,” based on Philippians 4:4–9, where the apostle Paul writes powerful words about peace that doesn’t depend on circumstances. What You Stare At Grows One of the central truths from this message is simple but profound: What you stare at grows. In other words, whatever gets your attention eventually shapes your emotions, your mindset, and your life. Anxiety often grows not because our problems are bigger—but because our focus narrows onto what we cannot control. A Biblical Picture of Anxiety and Focus In Philippians 4, Paul writes from prison—yet he repeatedly calls people to rejoice and experience peace. His message isn’t denial of reality; it’s a reorientation of focus. Instead of being consumed by fear or circumstance, Paul points us toward a different center: the presence and goodness of God. This same principle is seen in the story of Peter walking on water. When he fixed his eyes on Jesus, he walked in confidence. When he shifted his focus to the wind and waves, he began to sink. The storm didn’t change—but his focus did. Why Anxiety Feels So Overwhelming Today Many people today experience anxiety not just as occasional worry, but as a constant background noise in life. Our culture moves fast, demands more, and gives us endless reasons to stay mentally “switched on.” But Scripture reminds us that we were not designed to carry life under constant internal pressure. A Better Way Forward Philippians 4 invites us into a different rhythm: Rejoice in the Lord always Refocus your attention Pray instead of panic Replace anxious thoughts with truth This is not about ignoring reality—it’s about learning where to place our attention so we can experience God’s peace in the middle of it. Looking for a Church in Sacramento? If you’re searching online for a Christian church near you in Sacramento, we’d love to invite you to Friends Church Sacramento. We are a community learning how to follow Jesus together—imperfect, honest, and growing. Whether you’ve been in church your whole life or are just exploring faith, there is a place for you here. 📍 Location: 4001 E st, Sacramento, CA ⛪ Sunday Services: 10:00AM 🌿 Community Groups, Kids Ministry, and more available each week Final Thought You don’t have to be ruled by anxiety. Because peace isn’t found in controlling everything—it’s found in fixing your eyes on the One who is already in control. What you stare at grows. Choose well. Plan Your Visit

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About

Welcome to the Friends Church Sacramento podcast! Join us each week as we dive into the timeless truths of scripture and explore how they apply to our lives today. Whether you're a regular attendee or tuning in for the first time, our podcast offers a convenient way to stay connected and engaged with our community. At Friends Church Sacramento, we're passionate about creating an atmosphere of authentic worship, genuine fellowship, and transformative teaching. Our Sunday sermons are designed to inspire, challenge, and encourage you on your spiritual journey. With each episode, you'll experience uplifting messages from our dynamic speakers, insightful reflections on scripture, and practical applications for everyday living. Whether you're seeking spiritual growth, encouragement in your faith, or simply curious about what it means to follow Jesus, our podcast has something for everyone. So grab your favorite beverage, find a comfortable spot, and join us as we journey together through God's Word. Subscribe to the Friends Church Sacramento Sunday Sermon Archive podcast today and let's explore the riches of God's truth together!

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